Don’t Let Summer End Without Making This No-Fuss Dimply Plum Cake
theSkimm
End-of-summer scaries hitting hard? Consider this a reminder that the season doesn’t officially wrap until September 21 — PSLs be damned. That’s why we’ll be making Smitten Kitchen’s Dimply Plum Cake on repeat until then. Not only is the name extremely fun to say, but more importantly, the one-bowl recipe combines a brown sugar cake (made from ingredients you probably have), jammy late-summer plums, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon. Add powdered sugar and you’ve got a dessert impressive enough for a party, easy enough for a random Tuesday, and virtuous enough for brunch. Plus, on the off chance you have leftovers, they magically taste better the next day.
The Time Commitment: About an hour, but the cake bakes for more than half of that.
Key Tips: The number of plums you’ll need depends on their size — Deb Perelman (aka Smitten Kitchen) suggests eight small-to-medium ones or five medium-to-large ones. And the recipe works just as well with any stone fruit.
Other Takes: For more “it’s still summer” desserts (think: all the fruity goodness you’ll miss come apple season), try…
Brown Sugar Peach Crumb Bars. Not to get controversial, but buttery crumb topping > finicky pie crust. Particularly when it’s (probably) your last good peach haul of the year.
Snickerdoodle Strawberry Shortcakes. Sweet cream, strawberries, and the most indulgent cinnamon-sugar toast imaginable join forces for a treat one fan claims “schooled every shortcake I’ve ever had.”
Blackberry Nectarine Crisp. Blackberries and nectarines are a match made in fruit heaven — especially under a blanket of brown-sugar oat topping. Serve with vanilla ice cream, and no, it’s not optional.
Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier
theSkimm
Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, Jennifer Hillier’s Heart of Glass scared a New York Times reviewer “too much to sleep.” But for a thriller, that’s basically the highest compliment. The novel follows three best friends whose lives are shattered when one of them, Lorelei, turns up dead days after meeting a charming stranger at Wonderland, the local amusement park. Twenty-five years later, the two surviving friends have moved on: Barb is a local reporter, while Nicolette — since rebranded as Cole — is a reality TV star. But when the convicted “Carnival Killer” recants part of his confession and a new body washes ashore ahead of Wonderland’s reopening, the pair is forced to reckon with what actually happened. Expect buried secrets, a genuinely shocking ending, and, yes, a connection to that Blondie song. We got in touch with Hillier to chat about what she’s watching and the hot take she will not be talked out of.
Q: What’s one thing that’s made you 10% happier?
Hillier: Remembering that not everything is about me.
Q: What’s one unpopular opinion you have?
Hillier: White chocolate isn’t chocolate. I said what I said.
Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?
Hillier: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I haven’t missed a single episode in 15 seasons and I may or may not be an active lurker on the Reddit subthreads.
PS: The book Hillier can’t stop thinking about that taught her something “fascinating”? Find out here.
Stockholm Who? This Criminally Underrated Nordic City Is Stealing the Show
theSkimm
If Stockholm is the George Clooney of Sweden, think of Gothenburg as its Timothée Chalamet — the hip, younger brother. On Sweden’s west coast, the country’s second-largest city masterfully blends old and new, fueling its surge in popularity. Hop on an iconic blue-and-white tram to find cobblestone streets lined with trendy boutiques, buzzy eateries, and chic stays like Hotel Pigalle. Don’t miss the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Botanical Garden, or a Scandi sauna session at world-famous Jubileumsparken — all in one of the world’s most sustainable cities. So, yes, you can feel smug while exploring.
👟 The best way to get a feel for Gothenburg is by wandering. Start in old town, which is surrounded by a zigzagging moat and home to 17th-century brick buildings, jazz bars tucked into alleyways, and the historic Stora Saluhallen food hall. After you’ve had a bite to eat, make your way to Haga, a picturesque neighborhood where you’ll find old-timey wooden houses, cinnamon buns the size of your head, a hilltop fortress (the sweeping views and terrace drinking are worth the climb), and standout shops. Stop at: Lakritsroten for classic licorice; Haga of Sweden for handcrafted souvenirs by local artists; and Tell Me More for earth-toned linens, sleek kitchenware, and rustic-modern home decor.
🛥️ With more than 20 major islands in the Gothenburg archipelago, a day trip to one — or more — is a must. The area is divided into two: The northern islands (like Hönö and Hälsö) are more populated, while the southern islands are car-free and generally quicker to reach — meaning, if you’re short on time, head south. Catch a ferry to Donsö, a quaint fishing community with homemade ice cream (don’t leave without a cone from Popsicle café). From there, stroll across the bridge to Styrsö for sandy beaches, windy trails, and a short hike up to Stora Rös (the island’s highest point). Or, visit the southernmost island, Vrångö, to traverse its extensive nature reserve and kayak around rocky shores.
🍴 There’s perhaps nothing more Swedish than fika (the national coffee-and-pastry break that’s basically a lifestyle), so swing by Da Matteo to snack on buttery cardamom buns and fresh sourdough bread. Of course, being on the coast means you’re also in prime seafood territory — and nowhere does prawns, langoustines, and mussels better than Sjömagasinet. Craving something more inventive? Book a table at VRÅ, where the Nordic-meets-Japanese menu features scallop skewers, koji-marinated fish, and a rotating selection of sashimi (pro tip: save room for the sorbet).
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
I love having friends over for dinner, but a few treat me like a de facto babysitter — letting their kids run wild while offering zero help with dinner or cleanup. I adore them, but it’s exhausting. How do I raise the issue without ruining the friendship?
“Try a few gentle tactics that encourage better guest behavior. Suggest a dress code — smart casual signals this is a proper dinner party, and when we dress up, we naturally rise to the occasion. You could also plan a predinner activity to keep the kids engaged while the adults mingle, like a seasonal craft or having them set and decorate the table. When it’s time to eat, put on music, hand someone a serving spoon, and invite guests to help plate, serve, and clear dishes. Most people don’t realize they’re not helping and will jump at the chance once asked.
If the pattern continues, it’s time for a kind and honest conversation. Lead with how much you adore them, and frame it around wanting more quality time for adult conversation and relaxation. And if all else fails, it may be time to quietly scale back their invitations. Good guests aren’t the ones who expect to be waited on — they’re the ones who show up with respect and genuine consideration. Those are the friends worth gathering around your table.”
FEATURED EXPERT:
Lisa Gaché
Beverly Hills Manners founder and author
Unleash your competitive side with today's games and puzzles. Go wild.
Don’t Let Summer End Without Making This No-Fuss Dimply Plum Cake
theSkimm
End-of-summer scaries hitting hard? Consider this a reminder that the season doesn’t officially wrap until September 21 — PSLs be damned. That’s why we’ll be making Smitten Kitchen’s Dimply Plum Cake on repeat until then. Not only is the name extremely fun to say, but more importantly, the one-bowl recipe combines a brown sugar cake (made from ingredients you probably have), jammy late-summer plums, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon. Add powdered sugar and you’ve got a dessert impressive enough for a party, easy enough for a random Tuesday, and virtuous enough for brunch. Plus, on the off chance you have leftovers, they magically taste better the next day.
The Time Commitment: About an hour, but the cake bakes for more than half of that.
Key Tips: The number of plums you’ll need depends on their size — Deb Perelman (aka Smitten Kitchen) suggests eight small-to-medium ones or five medium-to-large ones. And the recipe works just as well with any stone fruit.
Other Takes: For more “it’s still summer” desserts (think: all the fruity goodness you’ll miss come apple season), try…
Brown Sugar Peach Crumb Bars. Not to get controversial, but buttery crumb topping > finicky pie crust. Particularly when it’s (probably) your last good peach haul of the year.
Snickerdoodle Strawberry Shortcakes. Sweet cream, strawberries, and the most indulgent cinnamon-sugar toast imaginable join forces for a treat one fan claims “schooled every shortcake I’ve ever had.”
Blackberry Nectarine Crisp. Blackberries and nectarines are a match made in fruit heaven — especially under a blanket of brown-sugar oat topping. Serve with vanilla ice cream, and no, it’s not optional.
Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier
theSkimm
Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, Jennifer Hillier’s Heart of Glass scared a New York Times reviewer “too much to sleep.” But for a thriller, that’s basically the highest compliment. The novel follows three best friends whose lives are shattered when one of them, Lorelei, turns up dead days after meeting a charming stranger at Wonderland, the local amusement park. Twenty-five years later, the two surviving friends have moved on: Barb is a local reporter, while Nicolette — since rebranded as Cole — is a reality TV star. But when the convicted “Carnival Killer” recants part of his confession and a new body washes ashore ahead of Wonderland’s reopening, the pair is forced to reckon with what actually happened. Expect buried secrets, a genuinely shocking ending, and, yes, a connection to that Blondie song. We got in touch with Hillier to chat about what she’s watching and the hot take she will not be talked out of.
Q: What’s one thing that’s made you 10% happier?
Hillier: Remembering that not everything is about me.
Q: What’s one unpopular opinion you have?
Hillier: White chocolate isn’t chocolate. I said what I said.
Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?
Hillier: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I haven’t missed a single episode in 15 seasons and I may or may not be an active lurker on the Reddit subthreads.
PS: The book Hillier can’t stop thinking about that taught her something “fascinating”? Find out here.
Stockholm Who? This Criminally Underrated Nordic City Is Stealing the Show
theSkimm
If Stockholm is the George Clooney of Sweden, think of Gothenburg as its Timothée Chalamet — the hip, younger brother. On Sweden’s west coast, the country’s second-largest city masterfully blends old and new, fueling its surge in popularity. Hop on an iconic blue-and-white tram to find cobblestone streets lined with trendy boutiques, buzzy eateries, and chic stays like Hotel Pigalle. Don’t miss the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Botanical Garden, or a Scandi sauna session at world-famous Jubileumsparken — all in one of the world’s most sustainable cities. So, yes, you can feel smug while exploring.
👟 The best way to get a feel for Gothenburg is by wandering. Start in old town, which is surrounded by a zigzagging moat and home to 17th-century brick buildings, jazz bars tucked into alleyways, and the historic Stora Saluhallen food hall. After you’ve had a bite to eat, make your way to Haga, a picturesque neighborhood where you’ll find old-timey wooden houses, cinnamon buns the size of your head, a hilltop fortress (the sweeping views and terrace drinking are worth the climb), and standout shops. Stop at: Lakritsroten for classic licorice; Haga of Sweden for handcrafted souvenirs by local artists; and Tell Me More for earth-toned linens, sleek kitchenware, and rustic-modern home decor.
🛥️ With more than 20 major islands in the Gothenburg archipelago, a day trip to one — or more — is a must. The area is divided into two: The northern islands (like Hönö and Hälsö) are more populated, while the southern islands are car-free and generally quicker to reach — meaning, if you’re short on time, head south. Catch a ferry to Donsö, a quaint fishing community with homemade ice cream (don’t leave without a cone from Popsicle café). From there, stroll across the bridge to Styrsö for sandy beaches, windy trails, and a short hike up to Stora Rös (the island’s highest point). Or, visit the southernmost island, Vrångö, to traverse its extensive nature reserve and kayak around rocky shores.
🍴 There’s perhaps nothing more Swedish than fika (the national coffee-and-pastry break that’s basically a lifestyle), so swing by Da Matteo to snack on buttery cardamom buns and fresh sourdough bread. Of course, being on the coast means you’re also in prime seafood territory — and nowhere does prawns, langoustines, and mussels better than Sjömagasinet. Craving something more inventive? Book a table at VRÅ, where the Nordic-meets-Japanese menu features scallop skewers, koji-marinated fish, and a rotating selection of sashimi (pro tip: save room for the sorbet).
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